A Call To Service
Few careers offer more opportunities for self-fulfillment than service as a police officer.
What is the job of a police officer? Is it crime fighting? Service provider? Homeland security agent? Peacekeeper? Mental health worker? Community problem solver? The answer is "Yes." Today's police officer must perform all of these tasks on a daily basis. While the stereo-typical job of crime fighting is an essential role, it is not the most prevalent, and in the view of many, not the most important.
Odds are, as a police officer, you will spend far more time engaged in problem solving issues and services. Those who are looking for a career filled with the type of daily edge-of-your-seat excitement depicted on television will be disappointed. While the dangers of the job are real, and you will be expertly trained to respond to any situation, the heart of policing lies in daily interactions with citizens.
Today, the focus of police work has shifted from crime fighting to a more community oriented style of policing and problem solving. Sometimes through the problem solving process we are able to determine the problem is not a police matter or "solve" the problem without the need for criminal arrests.
Policing is a job that will bring out the best in you and make you more than you are right now. It is a job with serious responsibilities, but the reward is having a job that really counts. Policing will ask a lot of you, but it will give you so much in return.
The Rewards
As a law enforcement officer, you will join the ranks of a storied profession that dates back centuries. Modern policing is a great mix of tried and true methods combined with application of the latest cutting-edge theories and technologies. The profession is growing and advancing to meet the needs of the 21st century environment.
The first organized police department in Vernon was established in 1890 and was known as the Rockville Police Department. At the time of its creation, only four men made up the force. Law enforcement in rural Vernon was the responsibility of local constables. In 1965, the Rockville Police Department and the Vernon constables consolidated and the Vernon Police Department was established. Today, over fifty highly trained officers are dedicated to providing the best service and protection to the citizens of Vernon.
Opportunities in law enforcement extend beyond basic employment. Today, the role of police is evolving to encompass broader areas of influence, from local community problems to global terrorist attacks. To meet this need, approaches to policing are not what they used to be. Today, more and more agencies are moving away from traditional reactive methods and are emphasizing community and intelligence-based policing. The impact an officer can have on a community goes far beyond arrest and prosecution of criminals. The focus is on problem solving, analysis, and collaboration among community groups and other police agencies.